Dear?Editor,

Concerning the school systems in Belmont County. It is my belief that there are too many school systems in this county. We live in modern times, and modern times do not allow for too many school systems in a small county. Do I believe that the Burger Plant closing will hurt the Shadyside School District? You bet it will. But placing Shadyside and Bellaire together is not the answer.

I believe the true answer is two school districts in Belmont County. Belmont County East and Belmont County West. In the east: Powhatan Area, Shadyside, Bellaire, Bridgeport and Martins Ferry should join to make one District and west: St. Clairsville, Union Local and Barnesville. There is too much money being wasted on too many top administrations in the schools in this county.

Could there be more state monies available if schools unite? Probably. Will combining schools make communities upset??Probably. But we all know that smaller schools in the future will not be able to operate, because of lack of financing.

I love to see inner county sports, however these times are fading. Let’s all work together to make things happen for the future of our children.

Phil Wallace

Martins Ferry